Bounty Hunter, Reality T.V. Star Arrested By Feds

HONOLULU (KHNL) -- He's the bounty hunter known to legions of fans as the Dog. But Thursday, Duane Chapman had the leash put on him.

Dog and two of his partners, Tim Chapman and Leland Chapman, are locked up at the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu awaiting possible extradition. After a court hearing Thursday afternoon, Dog's attorney instructed his frustrated client to keep his cool, and spend the night reading court documents about the case.

He's achieved celebrity status by allowing T.V. cameras to follow him as he chases down fugitives. This time, Duane Dog Chapman's the hunted.

The Mexican government wants Dog and his partners, Tim Chapman and son Leland, in connection with their 2003 arrest of cosmetics heir Andrew Luster. Authorities there believe the bounty hunters committed a form of kidnapping.

"When Duane arrested Andrew Luster, the California fugitive who was wanted for 86 counts of rape for which he'd been convicted, Duane apparently violated or is, it's claimed violated a Mexican law that prohibits capture of fugitives by persons not authorized under Mexican law," Hart said.

U.S. Marshals stormed Dog's Portlock home at about six Thursday morning. His two partners were arrested at separate locations on Oahu. All were visibly upset during their first appearance at Honolulu Federal Court.

"If you were arrested and thrown in jail after your long career in the media, you'd probably be a little frustrated yourself," Hart told reporters outside the courthouse.

Hart says the Chapmans are being treated just fine. They appeared in court without handcuffs, but their legs were shackled.

The next step for them is a detention hearing, which is scheduled for Friday afternoon. A judge will decide whether the popular bounty hunters should continue to be held at the Federal Detention Center without bail.